SAGINAW, MI — An expert on the book of Genesis and a science educator who once hosted his own television show are squaring off in a debate pitting creationism versus evolution.

And although Ken Ham, head of Answers in Genesis and Bill Nye the Science Guy aren't coming to Saginaw physically, several area Lutheran churches plan to simulcast their debate to hear what they have to say.

The live event, taking place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Creation Museum in Kentucky, sold out in two minutes. The debate will explore whether creationism, a religious belief that earth was created by a supernatural being, is “a viable model of origins in today’s modern scientific era.”

Ken Ham, founder of the Creation Museum in Louisville, teaches a literal interpretation of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.AP Photo

Bill Weis is the pastor at Peace Lutheran in Saginaw and said they are looking forward to listening to both sides of the question and the research that Ham has conducted. The church follows the Bible teachings and believes in creationism.

“The important thing, too, is that we aren’t doing this to attack anybody or look down on anyone,” Weis said. “It’s just to have an honest debate. If somebody doesn’t believe in creationism that doesn’t mean we can’t love them and care about them, and be friends with them.”

Many in the science community don’t think the debate is a good idea, though. David Stanton, professor of biology at Saginaw Valley State University, has been following the planned debate and said holding the event at an institution Ham founded isn’t fair.

“My personal opinion is that the audience will be stacked,” Stanton said. “They’ll scream for Ken, boo for Bill and he won’t be able to make much headway. It would be like having the Super Bowl in Denver this time.”

Stanton also said that it doesn’t matter if teaching creationism is “viable” because it is illegal to teach creationism as science in publicly funded schools. He said there is no scientific alternative to evolution.

“A lot of people in academia feel (the debate) is lending credibility to people that have no credibility,” Stanton said. “I think if Bill is able to demonstrate that Ken is not valuing science, then perhaps he might open some people’s eyes, but this Ken Ham is an experienced debater. I don’t think anyone thinks this will go well.”

The following churches will host a live stream of the debate:

Grace Auburn Lutheran Church303 Ruth Street, Auburn989-662-6161

Peace Lutheran Church3427 Adams Road, Saginaw989-793-9025

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Midland505 E Carpenter Street, Midland989-835-5861